The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 182: Ch : Solomon Kane- Part 2

Selene and her group entered, but the little girl remained by the door, hesitant.

"Lina, go play outside for a bit. I need to talk to these people alone. You will get bored if you stick around like this."

Solomon told his sister.

The girl—Lina—pouted but didn’t argue. She seemed to understand that this was important. Before she left, she shot Selene one last scrutinizing glance.

"Your sister is cute. I also like the look in her eyes. She will make a fine awakener once she grows up."

Ethan pointed out and Solomon tensed a little before he forced himself to relax and pretend nothing happened.

Selene glared at Ethan for his comment, but Ethan quickly pretended he could not hear or see her either. He felt a little frustrated but Selene forced herself to calm down and not lash out at him.

Once she was gone, Solomon gestured for them to sit.

"Make yourselves comfortable. Though, I can’t guarantee much comfort here."

Selene took in her surroundings.

The house was small and falling apart.

The furniture was old and mismatched, barely held together. The walls had cracks running through them, and the air carried a faint scent of damp wood.

It was clear that resources were scarce.

Even though Solomon was ranked #9 among the Awakened, he had nothing.

Orion let out a low whistle.

"How do you even live in a place like this?"

Solomon leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms.

"I’ve lived my whole life like this. It’s not a problem."

Selene didn’t miss the edge in his tone.

He wasn’t ashamed of his home—but he hated being pitied.

She nodded in understanding.

"It’s not about what you have. It’s about how you use it."

Solomon’s gaze flickered to her, considering her words.

"So, tell me why you’re really here."

He said finally.

Selene didn’t waste any time.

She leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with Solomon.

"I won’t dance around the truth. I’m ’Miss Shadow,’ and I’m here to recruit you."

Solomon’s expression didn’t change, but his fingers twitched slightly against the arm of his chair.

Selene continued.

"I need more manpower. The world is changing fast, and people like us can’t afford to sit around waiting for things to get better. You’re one of the best, Solomon. I can offer you the best conditions, the best resources, and—most importantly—a guarantee that your family will be safe and taken care of."

Solomon remained silent, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

Orion stepped in, arms crossed.

"She’s telling the truth, you know. Selene doesn’t make empty promises. If she says she’ll take care of you and your family, she means it."

Solomon exhaled through his nose, leaning back slightly.

"That’s a bold claim."

Selene nodded.

"I’m not here to force you. But you need to think about it. The way things are going, you won’t be able to protect your people for much longer. Not on your own."

For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed Solomon’s face.

It was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by something more neutral.

Finally, he spoke.

"I need time."

Selene didn’t push.

"Take all the time you need."

Solomon nodded once before rising to his feet.

"While you’re here, you might as well have some tea."

Selene could tell that he was stalling, giving himself space to think. But she allowed it, watching as he moved to a small, rickety kitchen area.

He worked with practiced ease, grabbing a few mismatched cups and setting them onto a wooden tray.

The kettle hissed as steam filled the air, carrying the faint scent of herbs.

Then, Solomon did something strange.

As he reached for a small container, he deliberately concealed its contents with his sleeve.

His movements were smooth but careful—too careful.

Selene’s gaze sharpened. He’s mixing something into the tea.

She didn’t react, instead watching silently as he stirred the drink and finally carried the tray over to them.

Solomon set a cup in front of her, then gestured toward it. freewebnσvel.cѳm

"Go on. Drink."

Orion tensed. Ethan’s expression darkened.

Selene reached for the cup, but before she could lift it, Ethan’s hand landed on her shoulder.

"Wait."

His voice was low but firm.

Selene glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"It’s fine."

Ethan didn’t look convinced.

"Selene—"

But she had already brought the cup to her lips.

She took a sip.

And immediately choked.

Ethan lunged forward, grabbing Solomon by the collar.

"You bastard—"

Selene’s hand shot out, grabbing Ethan’s arm before he could throw a punch.

With surprising strength, she yanked him back onto the sofa.

"Relax! It’s not poison."

She coughed, setting the teacup down with a grimace.

Ethan’s grip loosened, but his glare didn’t.

"Then what the hell was that reaction?"

Selene wiped her mouth, shaking her head.

"It’s just... really sweet."

Ethan blinked.

"...What?"

Selene exhaled, still grimacing.

"Too much sugar. It caught me off guard."

Orion let out a snort, muttering,

"So dramatic."

Solomon, meanwhile, stared at her for a long moment before sighing. He grabbed a cup of water and passed it to her.

Selene took it without hesitation.

For a man who had just been accused of trying to poison her, Solomon looked more amused than anything.

"You knew something was in the tea."

He said flatly.

Selene met his gaze.

"I did."

"And yet, you still drank it?"

Selene took a slow sip of water before replying.

"Because I want to trust you, Solomon."

His eyes narrowed.

"Bullshit."

She smirked.

"Maybe. But I also knew you wouldn’t kill me."

Something flickered in his gaze—something Selene couldn’t quite place.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

Then, Solomon exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"You’re a strange woman, Miss Shadow."

Selene chuckled, placing the empty glass on the table.

"I get that a lot. Now, shall we get to work? I am sure there is a lot we need to discuss here."

For the first time that night, Solomon Kane smiled.

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